Latter-day Saints Church History Museum
Through hands-on exhibits and educational programs, the Church History Museum tells the story of the pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church from the church’s founding in 1830 to the arrival in Salt Lake City in 1847. In addition to LDS history, the museum also houses an extensive collection of western art and hosts an annual international arts competition.
The basics
A visit to the Church History Museum is included in most tours of Salt Lake City’s historic Temple Square along with the Tabernacle and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits on LDS history, culture, and art. Children’s activities include hands-on exhibits, films, and games. Docents are available to answer questions and a gift shop has LDS history books, souvenirs, and art prints.
Things to know before you go
- The Church History Museum is ideal for anyone curious about the history of the LDS church.
- Admission to the LDS Church History Museum is free.
- The Church History Museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to get there
The Church History Museum is located on West Temple Street across from Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. The museum is easily reached by car, bike, bus, or TRAX (light rail). Public transportation is free in Salt Lake City’s downtown Free Fare Zone and pay parking is available at Temple Square.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The museum is open year-round Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturdays 10am to 6pm. The museum is closed Sundays and major holidays. The museum features lectures, special events, and rotating exhibits so check the museum’s event calendar prior to your visit.
Other LDS History Attractions
Temple Square is the headquarters of the LDS Church and one of Salt Lake City’s most-visited attractions. Free tours of Temple Square are offered daily by church volunteers, or you can pick up a self-guided tour brochure at one of the square’s two visitors centers. You can tour the Beehive House, the historic home of Brigham Young, enjoy the free daily organ recital in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle, and enjoy aerial views of the Salt Lake City Temple from the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
- Latter-day Saints Family History Library
- Temple Square
- Joseph Smith Memorial Building
- Salt Lake Tabernacle
- Utah State Capitol
- Clark Planetarium
- Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
- Leonardo Museum
- Tracy Aviary
- Liberty Park
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA)
- Fort Douglas Military Museum
- Red Butte Garden
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- This is the Place Heritage Park